Ms THEOPHANOUS (Northcote): Speaker, today I would like to pay tribute to two extraordinary locals who have recently sadly passed away—Gerard Stevenson and Vince Pirrottina.

It was only a couple of short weeks ago that I met with Gerard to hear about an incredible project he was spearheading with Global Gardens of Peace and award-winning landscape architect Andrew Laidlaw, to create a food forest garden for the residents of VASS in Thornbury.

VASS is a specialist residential facility in Thornbury that supports people who rely on a ventilator to breathe.

A resident of VASS himself, Gerard wanted to create a unique space that would be a source of fresh food and connection to nature—lifting the spirits and supporting the wellbeing of residents, staff and visitors.

Gerard sadly passed before his vision could be brought to fruition. But I know that everyone involved remains committed to the project.

While Gerard may never be able to sit quietly and relax with his family in the garden as he dreamed, his visions, passion and dedication will leave a legacy that will change the lives of VASS residents for decades to come.

Sadly, VASS has lost another member of their close community in the passing of Vince Pirrottina.

Vince was a powerhouse of a man. Those who knew him speak of a man who was gentle, passionate and generous in sharing his knowledge and lived experience. When he spoke, people stopped to listen.

A long-time member of the consumer steering committee at VASS and the Darebin Disability Advisory Committee—Vince has been a leading voice for self-advocacy, contributing to a legacy of tangible change for so many locals living with a disability.

He was also a strong advocate for accessible transport through his roles on the All Aboard network and LINK Community Transport.

This is not to mention his valuable contributions as a community representative on the medical and emergency clinical services—quality safety and risk committee at Austin Hospital and as an advocate for muscular dystrophy awareness, just to name a few.

His life and legacy has been defined by serving others, and a true unwavering commitment to fairness, equality and justice.

My thoughts are with everyone who knew, loved and have been inspired by these two incredible men—I know they will be sorely missed in our community.

Reflecting on the lives of these two men, I am reminded of the saying ‘No-one is actually gone until the ripples they cause in the world die away’.

Achieving real change is slow, difficult work—but the results, and the lives changed, endure.

Vale, Gerard and Vince.